Stork

The long-tailed birds such as the stork and pine, peacock, duck, quail or partridge, fowl and pheasant, etc. are the emblems of longevity. 

The Buddha states that the fully emancipated knows no restraints or obstructions and it is considered great merit to release living creatures such as birds. The nature of fish and bird is considered interchangeable by the unfettered liberty of its environment.  

From ancient folklore the symbol of the stork is a blessed bird that carries the soul of a fallen soldier to heaven. It is also the symbol of a messenger of God.